Helicopter Technique

INSET Programme based on Vivian Gussin Paley's approach to Storytelling and Story Acting

As well as running in-school sessions, MakeBelieve Arts are available to run full and half day INSET programmes on the Helicopter Technique of Storytelling and Story Acting.

Half Day INSET or Twilight session

During a half-day INSET we work with all staff to outline the technique and explain the theory of storytelling/story acting. The two hour session, includes an informative and fun practical session, which is seen as a valuable way of learning the technique and remembering feelings experienced as children.

Full Day INSET

During a full day INSET, MakeBelieve Arts incorporates a demonstration with a group of 10 -15 children. This key ingredient has proved invaluable to many teachers. The full day INSET is particularly useful for training days that are accessible to a number of schools, particularly when not all schools will benefit from individual sessions in their classroom. The day also contains a practical element and a chance to discuss the technique and all its implications.

Teachers' comments after INSET sessions

"An inspiring day, that showed how a child's thoughts/feelings/imagination and language can be given status and value in everyone's eyes"

"Excellent balance of contextual information and ideas for practical outworking. Handouts to back up the day. A Non-threatening practical session."

"Extremely interesting and enjoyable. Can make story time come to life and be fun."

"Inspiring but realistic"

"Interesting, thought provoking, something different"